Tonight I am reminded of a song I mentioned a while ago. The chorus goes,

Don't stop the madness 

Don't stop the chaos

Don't stop the pain surrounding me

Don't be afraid, Lord, to break my heart

Just bring me down to my knees

These words are such a good reminder of my need for God.  

It's funny how you can approach things from all kinds of different angles. Before, I approached this song with such enthusiasm because before I heard it I was literally on my knees seeking God. After hearing the songs I remember just thanking him for everything. 
We gladly take the blessing but most of the time we don't want the hardships. I think Job sets a fine example of how we should be in times of trouble. Man! I can't imagine going through everything he went through! But despite it all he blessed the Lord. He went to his knees before God. 

the Lord gives and the lord takes away...blessed be the name of the Lord.

I want to recognize the goodness of the Lord all the time. I hate to say it, but sometimes I need those hard times. Sometimes that is what it takes to get me on my knees seeking God rather than depending on myself. So this time I am not on my knees because of feeling defeated by the madness and chaos...actually it is almost the opposite. I am on my knees seeking the Lord and humbling myself before Him. I need more humility.  I need him all day everyday. I am so very glad his grace never runs out on me!
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Trust... with all your heart

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
This verse has come up numerous times in the past year. It came on Christmas presents, birthday gifts, and notes from loved ones. I didn't really think about it until I had run across it several times. Was it just a coincidence? Hmmm... maybe not. There really is a great meaning behind this verse and maybe it was time to take a look at it again.
Trust in the Lord, your Master, with your all. No self-reliance. Seek the right way, God's way, in everything you do (when you do school or your makeup, when you go shopping or you're bored, when you talk to your friends or post on Facebook, in EVERYTHING), and you'll be on the right track. This isn't just a good saying, it's a life-style. Don't take this verse for granted, but live it out. I've decided to really act on this verse, and when I hear it or see it somewhere to really think on it not just let it pass through my mind.
-Jocelyn

I'm blown away by the grace and love God lavishes upon me! He is good!

Oh to be like you give all I have just to know you… Jesus there’s no one bedside you forever the hope in my heart!

God is good no matter what! If there is anything you would like me to pray for please comment or send me an email at asformeandmyhouse8@gmail.com.

Grace and peace! 

-Ally

Today is a special day...I officially have over 1000 views on this blog.

Okay so maybe it isn't a huge deal, but it is kind of cool to know that people are seeing this!

I'd like to thank my parents for always believing in me, my cat...  just kidding ;)

Time to get serious :)


Man! God is good. I am so unworthy of His love, patience and all the other things he is constantly lavishing upon me! It's hard to grasp the fact that he loves me so much that he gave his life for me!

I want to share that good news with everyone!

Well of course I do have some resolutions for the new year.
1. Not to let a day go by without spending quality time with my Heavenly Father in the Word and through prayer. Let me clarify...not just reading the Bible, but really digging in and acting upon what I've read and what the Lord speaks to me.

2. To remember that every single person around me is facing, literally, a life or death situation...an ETERNAL life or death situation. I don't want to be okay with that. I don't want to let fear of having inadequate words or whatever hold me back from reaching out. I NEED to reach out!

A resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something.
So not only do I want to make a resolution, but I want to make an impact.

I submit myself over to God again this year...Here I am, use me God. I don't have much to give, but what I have is yours. I am not my own. I have been bought with a price and I want to serve you every day of my life!

My prayer for me and for you is that we would truly take the words of the Bible to heart and to act upon them. I pray that if you don't yet know the Lord, that you would because it is THE BEST thing that could ever happen to you! I pray that the Lord would strengthen you and strengthen me. That he would give us the confidence to share his love with everyone around us and that we would be faithful to his calling! We serve an amazing, just and loving God. He will never fail us. He is the greatest! And I desire to bring glory to him in everything I do!

No those views do not count my views I made it so it wouldn't count my views :) 

So don't try and burst my bubble! ;)

The Greatest

It's a little late, but HAPPY NEW YEARS!

This past year has been crazy! I'm struck with how immensely blessed I am!

Highlights of 2013
Paedon joined the family on February 2nd

 Paedon has brought so much joy to our family. I think I speak for all of us when I say that having him in our family has taught us to be patient, slow to anger, extra loving, and extra kind! He drives me crazy, but I can't imagine life without his smiling face and loud giggles. I hope that I never take the time I have with him and the rest of my family for granted because I never know how long we will all be together! He has grown so much and I am so excited to watch him grow and my prayer is that He will love God with all his heart, mind, soul and strength and become a godly, loving, and kind man!

• My sixteenth birthday
  

Club Awesome LIVE

• Starting this blog :)

• Volunteering at the State fair
  
• Warden Mission Trip
  
• JoJo started walking!!!
  
• Yeshi officially became a Vaughan!
  
• Dani and I were baptized by Grandpa
  
• Fun with my AMAZING cousin 
  
• Pae turned 3, David turned 4 and JoJo turned 1!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

I'm excited to see what 2014 has in store!

May your new year be filled with blessing and happiness!!!

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12